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Surrealism is a movement in art, literature, and other forms of cultural expression that began in France in the 1920s, but that quickly become international in scope. As we near the centenary mark of this vital and ongoing movement, we see its influence permeate contemporary poetry, art, philosophy, and popular culture. The scholarly study and teaching of surrealism extends correspondingly to arts and humanities fields and departments across the globe.

The International Society for the Study of Surrealism (ISSS) proposes to integrate the field of surrealism studies in North America and other locations by organizing events and managing channels of information that will facilitate cross-disciplinary and inter-cultural communication and exchange. This will be accomplished through the organization of international conferences and state-of-the-field workshops; the curation or support of museum exhibitions; and the publication of research findings. The society’s website will serve as a clearinghouse for information regarding contemporary research on surrealism as well as exhibitions, events, and pedagogical practices related to surrealism. The ISSS aims to develop a permanent infrastructure that might include one or more research centers, translation support, and a scholarly journal. In addition, the ISSS intends to foster the exchange of ideas between practicing artists and writers and the scholarly community for whom surrealism (past and present) is a field of ongoing inquiry.

The ISSS begins its inaugural membership year in 2018 and will host its first conference at Bucknell University (Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, USA) from November 1-4, 2018. The second conference will take place in Fall 2019 at the University of Exeter, UK.

2019 Conference

The ISSS will hold its 2nd inaugural academic conference Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2019 at the University of Exeter, UK.